Carissa has been so much more than a nurse to our family. She has been a source of comfort, compassion, and unwavering support during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives. From the very beginning of our NICU journey with our daughter, D, Carissa has gone above and beyond in ways we will never forget. When we first received D’s diagnosis of Triploidy, we were overwhelmed and trying to process so much uncertainty and heartbreak. Carissa didn’t just care for D medically; she cared for us as a whole family.

On her own time, she went home and sought out literature on Triploidy so she could better understand D’s condition. She did this not only to grow her own knowledge, but so she could support D’s care team and help guide us through something we were just beginning to understand. As D reached the milestone of being able to come off room temperature in her isolette and wear clothes, Carissa found a way to make that moment even more special. She went out and bought D preemie outfits and brought them in the very next day. It may seem like a small gesture, but for us, it was a moment of normalcy and joy in the middle of an otherwise heavy time.

One of the most meaningful things Carissa has done for our family is creating a memory box for D. She carefully put together a box with D’s name and birth information, along with a recording of her heartbeat, a scrapbook, and her tiny footprints. These are treasures we will hold onto forever! Carissa’s care goes far beyond clinical excellence. She leads with empathy, thoughtfulness, and a genuine love for the families she serves. She has a way of making us feel seen, supported, and less alone. In a time filled with uncertainty and anticipatory grief, she has been a light for our family. We will never forget the impact Carissa has had on our hearts and on D’s life.